“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom. 10:17) KJV

Living in the Last Days

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” (2Tim. 3:1-5)

These Scriptures describe the condition of society just before the coming of Christ. The Bible is filled with prophesies that pertain to the coming of Christ.

As a matter of fact, the Spirit of God through David declared that the entire Bible was actually given by God for the sole purpose of directing men to Christ and His coming.

“Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,” (Psalm 40:7)

Jesus Christ is such the complete fulfillment of Scripture, that the Bible even calls Him the Word.

“And theWord was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

It is God’s desire that in every Bible story, in every account of the tabernacle, in every jot and tittle of the Mosaic Law, in every Biblical record of the history of Israel, and in every prophecy, we would see Jesus, His fulfillment, and His coming.

If one were to categorize these prophecies of His coming, it would be evident that there are three distinct and different descriptions.

There are the prophecies pertaining to His coming as the suffering Messiah, our Redeemer.

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

Next there are the prophesies of His coming as the Bridegroom who goes away to prepare a place, but then returns for His Church, the Bride.

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2)

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:3)

“And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” (Matt. 25:6)

Finally, there are the prophesies of His coming as the conquering King of Kings and the Lord of Lords at the end of the world.

“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.” (Rev. 19:11)

“And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.” (Rev. 19:13)

“And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.” (Rev. 19:14)

“And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Rev. 19:16)

Most of the Jewish leaders at the time of Jesus did not understand these three comings. They were hoping and looking for the conquering hero to rid them of the Roman Empire, so they missed the coming of the suffering Redeemer, the Lamb of God.

Then there were those during the time of the early Church, who because of false teaching that had entered in, said that the resurrection was past.

They preached that the Bridegroom had already come for His Bride, thereby causing their followers to lose faith and believe they had missed the marriage supper of the Lamb.

“Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.” (2Tim. 2:18)

It is important that we as believers know the times that we are living in so that we will have faith concerning His return and not be caught unaware when Jesus comes back.

Some are quick to say, “I’ve heard of Jesus coming my whole life but He hasn’t come yet, so I don’t even think about that.”

However the Bible says:

“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” (Matt. 24:44)

“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Heb. 9:28)

Next- The Second Coming of Christ

All twelve books in the “How to Walk Christian Series” by Raymond Candy are available now in one collection of two volumes for $6.99 each at bn.com for the NOOK, amazon.com for the KINDLE, on iTunes at the iBookstore for the iPad and iPhone, and at Lulu.com for the PC and all e-reading devices